Afternoon

I don’t need to walk to the ocean.
I can see the ocean from here.
I have walked the path to the ocean before.

I know the dirt’s grip.
I know the bullfrog’s rev.
The ducks are brand new.
Last night paper tubes heaved upward.
We went out, sandals undone.

I am rarely moved
and when I am I can hardly discuss it.

Let us bite jellybeans
and expose our throats
to beauty’s sudden punch.
Let us bet on lanterns.
Which will fall first, which will rise beyond
manufacturer promises
and speed due west.
Bloated, tipping, glowing,
stubborn,
aloft.